Some pyramid schemes call themselves "multi-level marketing programs," but there is a difference. If you are looking for an opportunity that will allow you to work at home or be your own boss, you should be aware of the differences between a legitimate multi-level marketing company and an illegal pyramid scheme.

What's the Difference?

"Multi-level" or "network" marketing is a form of business that uses independent representatives to sell products or services to family, friends and acquaintances. A representative can earn commissions from sales that he or she makes, and also from sales made by other people he or she has recruited into the program. Examples of well-known multi-level marketing companies include Amway and May Kay Cosmetics.

Some companies call themselves multi-level marketing when they are really pyramid schemes. They may market a product or service, but they teach their representatives to spend most of their time and effort recruiting new people to join the program. If the company focuses primarily on recruitment rather than sales, it is a pyramid scheme.

Pyramid schemes are not only illegal, they are a waste of money and time. Because pyramid schemes rely on recruitment of new members to bring in money, the schemes inevitably collapse when the pool of potential recruits dries up. When the plan collapses, most people, except the few at the top of the pyramid, lose their money.

The simplest form of pyramid scheme is the chain letter that asks the recipient to pay $1.00 to each of five names on a list, copy the letter, and then send it out to new people with the recipient's name added to the list. In recent years, pyramid schemes have become more sophisticated, and many have surfaced on the Internet..

Pyramid Tip-Offs

The pyramid scheme disguised as a multi-level marketing opportunity is not always easy to spot, but is just as much of a scam as the chain letter. Here are some tips to consider before participating in a multi-level marketing program:

Avoid any program that focuses more on recruitment of new people rather than the sale of a product or service. If the program offers to pay commissions solely for recruiting new members, look elsewhere.

Be cautious about participating in any program that asks distributors to purchase expensive inventory.

Be skeptical about specific income or earnings claims. Many programs boast about the incredibly high earnings of a few top performers ("thousands per week" or "six figure-income"). The reality is that most of the people recruited into the organization are not making anywhere near those amounts.

Make sure the product or service offered by the company is something you would buy and is competitively priced. Illegal pyramid schemes often sell products at prices well above retail or sell products that are difficult to value, such as health and beauty aids, new inventions or "miracle" cures.

Don't believe statements from a program that it has been "approved" by the state or the Attorney General's Office. Under most state law, multi-level marketing companies do not register with any state office.

Never sign a contract or pay any money to participate in a multi-level marketing program, or any business opportunity, without taking your time and reading all of the paperwork. Talk the opportunity over with a spouse, knowledgeable friend, accountant or lawyer. If you feel that you are being subjected to high-pressure sales tactics or are not being given enough time to review the details, go elsewhere.